Morphology of stem and subterranean system of Brosimum gaudichaudii (Moraceae)

Abstract

Although Brosimum gaudichaudii occurs in Amazon forest and in Atlantic forest, it is the only species from the genus Brosimum found in cerrado vegetation, with a very common occurrence. This species has been exploited by pharmaceutical industry due to large accumulation of psoralens in its roots. The stems and subterranean systems of seven fertile plants were characterised in this study. At early stage of development the stems are scandent and grow slowly before reaching arboreal size. The subterranean system is composed of a xylopodium and a taproot. The xylopodium continuously produces shoots that are able to turn into trunks. The taproot may grow up to one or two metres deep. There are few lateral roots, but many radicles along the surface of root system. Abundant latex is found in the pith and bark of branches and young stems as well in the bark of the subterranean system. However, it is scarce in the bark of mature trunks. The stem bark is grey, rough and thin, while the bark of the root and xylopodium is orange, corrugated with laminate surface. The xylopodium is a fundamental structure to understand the plant strategies to successfully adapt to the cerrado environment condition.